My Occupation

"My soul is occupied" he said,
"And all my substance in his service.
Now I guard no flock,
Nor have I other employment,
My sole occupation is love.

Before the soul succeeed in effecting
This gift and surrender of itself to the beloved,
It was entangled in many useless occupations
by which it
Sought to please itself and others.

All this is over now --
For all its thoughts, words, and actions
Are directed to God.

All my occupation now is the practice
Of the love of God. All I do
Is Done in Love

-- St. John of the Cross